Oakland Museum Releases Photos Of Stolen Gold Artifact
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - The Oakland Museum of California released photos Wednesday of a 19th century artifact stolen from the museum last week in the hope of generating new leads in the case.
The artifact is a 7-by-9-inch quartz- and gold-encrusted jewelry box box that weighs about 3 pounds and depicts scenes of early pioneer life.
According to the OMCA, the box was made from California gold between 1869 and 1878 by A. Andrews, a San Francisco goldsmith, and is signed.
The museum cited developments in the ongoing investigation which allowed it to now disclose images of the stolen object.
A reward of $12,000 has been offered for the safe recovery of the stolen artifact.
According to the OMCA, other features of the stolen artifact include:
- A rectangular moulded top and base that rests on four feet formed of four miniature female figures depicting allegorical California.
- Top pilasters and mouldings are of veined gold quartz in tones of grey and cream with veining of gold.
- Interior of the top recessed and engraved in full relief with scene of the early days of the Union and Central Pacific Railroads, mounted Native Americans, herds of buffalo, and a train of cars.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Oakland Police Department's Major Crimes Section at (510) 238-3951 or the TIP LINE at 777-2805.
